Rissy -- ~Her mind was reeling with all that had transpired from the moment she’d knocked on his door, the only intention then was making sure he wasn’t carrying another persons burdens and now she was here. In some stately manor fighting flashes of people and things she didn’t recognize while he encouraged her to not only allow them but embrace them as well.
That tiny voice in the back of her mind was shrieking once again as she made her way up the stairs in hopes of finding the room he mentioned so she could freshen up. Preacher as well as Zurral had warned her repeatedly he was capable of playing these kinds of mind games with the likes of her and she wasn’t sure that wasn’t happening right now. Having caught the near slip of reference made of her she’d not called him on it rather she pushed it aside as she tried to understand what was real and what wasn’t. Finding the room wasn’t problematic but being within its walls was. Everywhere she turned was another haunting, a feeling of deja vu that simply couldn’t be shaken. Even with keeping her hands from the furniture and decorations of the lavish room the images kept coming terrifying her all the more that she was surely losing her mind.

She shook her head trying to clear every thing from her mind in fear he might sense what was happening as she made her way to the beautifully craved armoire and choose a dress without even looking. Sitting at the vanity she began brushing her hair when she caught what she thought was a glimpse of Graf behind her causing her to stop mid-stroke. It wasn’t him or his reflection but another flash within her mind of her sitting at this very table but he was with her, standing behind and putting a exquisite necklace about her throat as he whispered something to her and then just as quickly as it came it was gone. Unnerved she hurried through making herself presentable then vacated the room as quickly as she could.

The cream colored dress she’d chosen whispered with every step down the stairs taken, its full skirt and form fitting bodice seemingly accenting the svelte form encased within its silky fabrics. Stopping to give her appearance one last glance in one of the heavily ornamented mirrors that lined the foyer she fussed over tresses that had refused to remain in the bun resting against the nape of her neck and now framed her face and shoulders but the lure of delicious food didn’t allow her to dally long. Slipping into the dinning room she was once again taken back by the beauty every crook of this house seemed to possess. If this was truly his house then Brittany certainly had an eye for decorating right down to the details of the silverware glistening from the soft light of the numerous candles about the room.

But when she caught sight of him standing at the other end of the table as if this was just another dinner, just another night of the thousands already pasted she frozen. He’d never seemed more confident, more at ease with his surroundings and himself than at this very second and it was both unsettling as it was intriguing. Trying to contain and hide all her misgivings, wonderments and curiosities she offered him that infamous smile as well as a slight curtsey that, though she couldn’t recall doing before, felt natural. Crimson tainting her cheeks from the racing of her heart she tilted her head abit as she looked over at him and spoke~ (s) Sorry if a girl kept you waiting but she got caught up in all this places beauty.



Graf -- When Rissy entered the dining room his heart stopped. His eyes flashed brightly as so many memories flooded him catching him off guard. He had not seen her spirit in that dress in so long. Her hair was pulled up as it had been ages ago and he had to chuckle a bit when he noticed a few wild tresses, which was so familiar it made him feel more at home with her there. His heart began beating in a quick pace and his soul sang. He tried to hide his excitement from her. Her slight curtsey showed him that she still remembered how to be a lady. He wondered if she had realized what she had done. It was nice to see her curtsey rather than lower her head. This was the woman that had fought with him lovingly for so long. In each life she had done so. For a moment her thought he saw the diamond and emerald necklace around her neck, but upon looking again he noticed that it was not there. She had not yet found it. Composing himself, he moved towards her. Taking her hand in his, he bowed to her, lifted her hand gently kissing it, all the while his green eyes focused on those lovely hazelish hues. “I am happy that you have decided to join me for dinner. I hope that I am not being too forward in mentioning that you are one of the loveliest ladies that I have ever laid eyes upon. So, Rissy do not apologize for my wait, it was well worth it. Please sit and enjoy this meal with me.” He pulls out a chair for her, moving it forward when she sits. He leaned down and smelled her hair, enjoying the fragrance before returning to his place.

Graf rang the bell and the servants carried in a large roasted goose with roasted potatoes and caramelized onions. He smiled as the artichokes, aspargras, and fresh baked bread was brought in, steam still rising from each. “Rissy, these people are part of my family, Randolf, Svelta, and Charlotte. They will provide you with anything you may need. I hope that you will grow to love then as I do.” Randolf bowed to her; Svelta curtsied, then glanced over to Graf giving him a wink. Charlotte, the young daughter of Randolf and Svelta, smiled, curtsied, and stated, “Sir she is a very beautiful woman. Why she looks like the one in the portrait in your room.” Svelta looked at Charlotte, “Hold your tongue, girl.” Graf laughed. “My dear Charlotte perhaps she is.” Looking horrified for a moment Charlotte responded, “Sir that cannot be, for she died over 200 years ago. I think she is her great great granddaughter, and forgive me for saying so but wouldn’t that make her yours?” This time Randolf took charge. “Remove yourself from this room talking that way to your benefactor.” Turning to Rissy he responded, “Please forgive my daughter, she has not quite learned to hold her tongue. Pay her no attention.” Then he turned to Graf. “Sir please forgive her. I take full responsibility.” Graf smiled at him. “Randolf, do not be so hard on the child. She only spoke her mind. One day women will be able to speak freely.” “Yes Sire”, Randolf replied. Svelta had kept quiet, but her face brightened as she heard Graf’s words. She then turned and scurried Charlotte out whispering, “Just because he refused sharing his bed with you gives you no right to speak that way.” Graf just smiled and turned his attention back to Rissy. “Like I said, they are family.” Randolf stayed behind serving them both dutifully. The meal was wonderful and then Svelta and Charlotte bring out the dessert, a large cherry torte. Everything had been perfect and Graf was glad and hoping that Rissy was enjoying herself. “My dear, I hope you are enjoying your stay. I wish it were Spring so that you could go out into the gardens.”

He watched her and wanted to invite her to share his room, but knew that now was not the right time for that. He wasn’t sure if it would ever be the right time. He hoped that he would be able to explain why he had wanted her to go on with her own life. It was complicated; made more so by Rissy’s feelings about Brittany. Though he seemed quite comfortable and relaxed, it was actually the opposite. Randolf knew the purpose for him bringing Rissy here, and he was a bit worried about what may transpire. Graf had told him to let her do as she wished, though Randolf protested. They had discussed how the memories may be too overwhelming for her, but Graf had made certain that it was understood not to shield her.

Charlotte as well had pleaded with him not to bring her, though he thought for reasons other than she made. Graf told her that Rissy was the mistress of this house and that she should be treated as such. He had to be very stern with her. Charlotte came to him as soon as she laid eyes on Rissy. “She is a Mayfair, Sire. I can see it within her. Yet you tell me that you have not made love to her? You lie! I know that in some way you have. I’m not talking about the violence. It took us months to help you and we couldn’t find Miss Mayhew. When she came and was told, she left to find you immediately. She knew that if you were not here nor at the home you share with her, that you had no memory of what was going on. She told us then that you would soon be bringing the Mistress home, and to treat her as such. Miss Mayhew took me aside and told me that she knew you loved them both deeply, and that it was meant to be that way. Something about the three of you always being connected.” Graf had allowed the girl to speak her mind, and then sternly said, “You know what it is that I am. You know I do not lie, so never question me again. If you are talking about how she and I have been intimate, that is none of your concern. As far as Brittany goes, she has always loved you. There are things that neither you nor the Mistress of this house know, but Brittany and I have always known.” She had pouted and bowed her head. “Please forgive me Sire. I speak out of turn, however I do know some things. I followed Randolf into your room one day and saw the portrait. What Miss Mayhew had said became a bit more clear.” “You are never allowed to go into that room again. I am very serious about this Charlotte. That room is very private.” Anger grew in him at feeling that his space had been violated. He would allow the people in there when he felt like it. This whole time Charlotte had been lying on his bed naked, just waiting for him to finish his cleansing. She had risen quickly at the sound of his voice, knowing that he was very angry, and that she had ruined any chance of bedding him.